Might be time for me to go back to the drawing board then. Like I said I left the kcg behind while traveling so I’ll get myself something else that’s mild, and then try the blade experiments again. I think for now what I’ll do on that front is a wtg shave every day or two and judge performance that way. Same points as before about lather and technique, but I’ll definitely aim for more extensive prep. Will hairs still soften appropriately in cold water, or will it take longer?
That sounds like a good plan re: the routine.
Hairs will soften in cold water but it takes longer. I find that with a couple of days growth, I can literally feel the difference if I stand in a hot shower for a few minutes. I have never tried cold water to see how much longer it takes - don't fancy the idea of cold showers!
It will vary from person to person - I have spiky old man grey hairs to worry about now, which are literally harder than regular hairs and probably take longer to soften. I suggest going by feel initially - get a couple of days growth and do an experiment and see how long it takes until the hairs can apparently get no softer with the conditions you want to use (i.e. water temperature) then you have a guidelines for actual shaves.